Sweet Success: Kilwins Owner Named Illinois Small Business Person of the Year

This Mother’s Day weekend, the Chicago Defender celebrates dynamic Black women excelling in their careers while guiding and nurturing their families. I knew I wanted to do something with entrepreneurship, but I didn’t know what it would be. – Jacqueline “Jackie” Jackson Walking into& Kilwins in Andersonville is like entering a wonderland of sweetness. As soon as you open the door, the air is filled with the delightful aroma of chocolate, caramel and vanilla, instantly awakening the senses and inducing pure excitement. Ice cream is also served in the cozy space, where every sweet craving is effortlessly satisfied. Recently, Geri Aglipay, the Regional Administrator for the U.S. Small Business Administration Great Lakes region, presented the Illinois Small Business Person of the Year award to Jacqueline Jackson, owner of Kilwins, at a brief ceremony at the store.& As a Chicagoan and a Black woman entrepreneur, Ms. Jackson was honored for embodying excellence, innovation and an entrepreneurial ethos. Thriving and Emerging During the event, attendees gathered around to listen to notable speakers, including Aglipay, Jackie Jackson and her daughter Janel, Illinois Deputy District Director Mark Ferguson, Outreach and Illinois District Office Marketing Specialist Peggy Rayson, Alderwoman Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth of the 48th ward,...